Upper Merion senior brings Gatsby' to the stage

By SABRINA CARROLL AND MOLLY COOKE, Upper Merion Area H.S.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

“I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”

This observation, from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” aptly describes Upper Merion Area High School senior Steven Burke’s passion for the story, which he has adapted to the stage for his Senior Graduation Project. The show will run May 2, 3 and 4.

Burke’s stage vision of “The Great Gatsby” is sure to be a party, with luxuriant dance scenes, complex and original video projections, and extravagant costuming.

These efforts seem even more impressive considering that an all-student cast and crew is orchestrating them.

The production also features one of the largest casts ever to take the school’s stage, with over 100 students comprising the Gatsby team.

“It’s all in the spirit of promoting an over-the-top environment, just like in the book,” explains Burke, “but with accessibility for every type of audience, whether they frequent stage productions or not.”

Indeed, “The Great Gatsby” is an “over-the-top” story that raises poignant questions regarding materialism in everyday life. Some characters undergo deep self-analysis that contributes to their future, while others completely lose sense of themselves.

Love is gained and lost tragically. Characters cling desperately to a fading past and fear an unscripted future. Burke plans to capture all of this in his production of The Great Gatsby.

Given the scale of Burke’s vision, the production needs further financial support.

To donate, individuals can visit www.umgatsby.com and click the link to “Sponsor The Show.”

From there they can fill out a sponsorship form to mail in a donation, or they can donate securely online using a credit or debit card.

Sponsors will receive special recognition at the show, in the program, and on a display in Upper Merion’s auditorium lobby.

Businesses also ca advertise in the program as a form of sponsorship.

In order to satisfy the community service aspect of Burke’s Senior Graduation Project, all proceeds made from the show will go to funding arts in the community.

To “Join the Party,” come to the show at Upper Merion Area High School, 435 Crossfield Road, King of Prussia on May 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $5 for students and senior citizens and $8 for adults.

For more information about “The Great Gatsby” production, visit www.umgatsby.com.